By Ryan Clark
NKyTribune
For Katie Meyer, it was something akin to a victory lap.
Meyer, who in December announced she would be stepping down after nine years from her position as Executive Director of Renaissance Covington to work for Cincinnati Bell, made her last presentation to the city’s Board of Commissioners at their regularly scheduled legislative meeting Tuesday night.
The city provides about $130,000 to the nonprofit organization that prides itself on improving downtown socially and economically, and as part of that deal, the Executive Director is supposed to deliver an annual update on projects and goals.
As a new Executive Director is currently being recruited, Meyer presented on an interim basis.
Over the past month, 13 applicants applied for the position, with five meeting the criteria, reported Rebekah Gensler, board president. Two finalists have been named, and will continue their interviews in the second week of February. Renaissance Covington officials hope a new Executive Director will be in place by March.
“We really value this relationship,” said City Economic Developer Tom West, who noted the nonprofit can “do some of the things the city can’t do.”
For Meyer, she was able to review a list of accomplishments that had to make her proud.
Some of Renaissance Covington’s programs from the past year included:
Public Wi-fi
Farmer’s Market
Madhatter Park
Zero Waste Way
199c
NKY Pride
BridgeFolk
Outdoors Weekend
Arts and Drafts
Night Bazaar
Pike Street Stroll
Small Business Saturday
Downtown Covington also brought in $26 million in private investment on rehab and new construction projects, as well as more than 15 new businesses.
Meyer also wanted to publicize the upcoming Kentucky Main Street Conference, held in Covington from April 23-25. She described it as a way to “turn Main Street into a campus” where everyone from around the state will be able to see the good happening in the city.
Commissioners thanked her for her service.
Commissioner Shannon Smith said the impact Renaissance Covington has had on the city has been “absolutely incredible.”
Also Tuesday:
– Commissioners voted unanimously to enter into an agreement with Tectura/Wausau for public trash receptacles for sidewalks. An invitation for bids was issued in December, and four bids were received in January. City officials reviewed the bids and up to $200,000 in funding is provided by a Community Development Block Grant. City departments, Neighborhood Services and the Department of Public Works are coordinating the rollout.
– Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the publication of a request for proposals for construction of Peaselburg Park, formerly known as Little People’s Playground. The Neighborhood Services Department wants to hire a professional to design, recommend equipment and build the playground.
– Commissioner Tim Downing was absent Tuesday night.
– Commissioner Denny Bowman made sure to remind everyone to stay safe during the arctic blast of cold that will be hitting the Midwest Wednesday, noting that residents need to especially watch out for young children and senior citizens. He also thanked the city manager and city police and medical personnel who will be protecting the city population.
The next regularly scheduled Covington Commission meeting will be a caucus meeting held at 6 p.m., Feb. 5, at the Covington City Hall at 20 West Pike St.
Contact the Northern Kentucky Tribune at news@nkytrib.com
